Ordination update: 8 new deacons in Worcester

“I like to pay back to God, because he give me more than I need. When I came in America I have nothing in my hand, absolutely nothing. When I escaped from Vietnam to America, I lost my first child and two young brothers.”

Deacon Ky T. Tran, the diocese’s first Vietnamese permanent deacon, states his expression of gratitude this way. He is one of eight permanent deacons Bishop McManus ordained Saturday in a nearly full St. Paul Cathedral. The others are Deacons Keith T. Caplette, Timothy G. Cross, Brian R. Gadbois, Michael J. Hafferty, William W. Hays, William S. Shea and Brian E. Stidsen

“The ordination was incredible,” said Deacon Cross, of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Leominster. “It couldn’t have been more perfect. One of the most beautiful parts was having our deacon brothers welcome us. … I tried to really capture every moment.”

He said he told Deacon Richard C. Martino, who vested him, that the late Franciscan Father G. Michael Bercik was with them in spirit. Father Bercik had been their pastor at St. Ann Parish in Marlborough before it closed. Deacon Cross said Deacon Martino and his wife, Pearl, gave him a deacon’s stole made from one of Father Bercik’s stoles.

“He was my inspiration, who I model my ministry on,” Deacon Cross said of Father Bercik, “Just his gentleness, his love, his willingness to give, no matter what time of day.”

Perhaps this diaconal ministry started at ordination. Deacon Cross said many people, especially those who hadn’t been to church in awhile, recognized how special the sacrament is. Previously some had asked naively, “When are you graduating?”